Skillet Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Thinly sliced flank steak and crisp broccoli tossed in savory soy-ginger sauce faster than delivery.
Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry (Flank Steak, Skillet)
1 lb flank steak sliced ¼-inch across the grain, marinated 20 min in soy + cornstarch; broccoli florets blanched 90 seconds; stir-fried in batches in a ripping-hot stainless or carbon-steel skillet
skillet Timer
Set for 8 mins @ High Heat (Flip at 3m)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 4 adults.
Get to the Point Execution
Slice 1.5 lbs flank steak into thin strips and toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil.
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until just smoking.
Sear the beef strips for 3 minutes without moving, flip and cook 1 minute more, then remove to a plate.
Add 4 cups broccoli florets and 2 tbsp water, cover 2 minutes, then return beef with sauce and toss until glazed.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
Slice 1.5 lbs flank steak against the grain into 1/4-inch strips. Toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp sesame oil for the sauce.
Slicing against the grain and coating with cornstarch creates velvety tender beef with a light crust that holds sauce perfectly.
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until just smoking. Add the beef strips in a single layer and sear for 3 minutes without stirring. Flip and cook 1 minute more until browned. Transfer beef to a plate.
Do not overcrowd the pan. If your skillet is smaller, sear the beef in two batches so it browns instead of steaming.
Add another splash of oil to the same skillet. Add 4 cups broccoli florets, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Stir fry for 1 minute, then add 2 tbsp water and cover for 2 minutes until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
Adding a small splash of water and covering creates steam that cooks the broccoli through without making it mushy.
Return the seared beef to the skillet. Pour the sauce mixture over everything and toss for 30 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli. Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
The sauce thickens fast once it hits the hot pan. Have everything ready before you pour it in so you can toss immediately.
The secret to restaurant-quality stir fry at home is a screaming hot pan and not touching the beef for the first three minutes. That sear is everything.
Reduce the ginger and skip the green onions if kids are picky. Serve over plain white rice and let them dip the beef in extra soy sauce.
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fried rice with egg
- Wonton soup
Reheat in a hot skillet for 2 minutes, tossing constantly. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Do not microwave or the broccoli turns soggy.